Came home today mid-day and found no Steller’s Jays in the nest. I was shocked. They did not look ready to fly to me. Of course, I am not a Steller’s Jay. They must have left recently as one was hanging out in my lilac bush (which is a truly ugly bush, doesn’t produce flowers well, and is a huge disappointment to me that I will tear out). I got a couple of shots and when I went back to my car — it left. So, I guess they can fly.
I feel bereft. Good-bye little Jays. Long life!